EERIE pictures taken inside the Kingfisher Shopping Centre today paint an image of what life will be like during the UK’s three-week lockdown.
The centre became a ghost town after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all non-essential shops to close.
Huge stores like Debenhams, New Look, Sports Direct, Waterstones and Next have all closed their doors.
But Boots, The Range, Poundland, Bodycare and Farmfoods remain open for residents to use.
Usually the centre is full of people having a bite to eat or browsing while on their lunch break.
But today, empty escalators were going up and down while Kingfisher staff stood around waiting to see if anyone turned up.
Deputy general manager at the Kingfisher, Fiona Faizey, said: “During this difficult time we are placing the utmost importance on the health and safety of our guests, customers and employees.
“The centre remains open to allow our guests and the local community to benefit from the essential services.
“So that all our guests can continue to safely benefit from these essential services we would ask everyone to please adhere to the Government’s guidance on social distancing – to reduce social interaction between people and help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
“We are maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the local health authority as the situation evolves, while monitoring the latest official advice provided.”
Full list of open stores (Tuesday, March 24):
- B&M Bargains
- Bainbridge Opticians
- Bodycare
- Boots
- Farmfoods
- Greggs (will close with effect from today)
- Poundland
- Poundstretchers
- Savers
- Specsavers
- Superdrug
- The Range
- WHSmith
- Wilko
You can keep up to date with which stores are open HERE.
